Crlenjak: I am from St. Augustine, Florida. I grew up with my parents and three siblings.

I wouldn’t say there was one defining event that led me to medicine; it was more of a gradual realization. I can remember always being intrigued by medicine, but no one else in my family had gone to medical school so I never really considered it as a possibility before college.

I started undergrad at UF as an engineering major because I have always loved science and math and breaking down complex systems to their fundamental components to understand them. Over the years I’ve come to think of doctors as sort of engineers of the most intricate system in nature — the human body. I am so fascinated every single day I get to learn more about what it can do.

While I’m fascinated by the science of the human body, I’m perhaps more captivated by the complexity of people — the way our thoughts, emotions and beliefs intertwine to shape who we are.

Some of my biggest inspirations in this field are physicians I met volunteering at a free clinic in St. Augustine. I remember being at the point where I was questioning if I would become jaded by medicine or come to regret my choice to apply to medical school. Working with these doctors made me remember the original reason I pivoted from engineering to medicine: to care for human beings. They showed me not only that I would be fulfilled by this career, but also that there was no other career for me.

Winslow: I was born in North Carolina and moved to Melbourne, Florida, when I was 2 years old. This is where I grew up before attending college at the University of Miami. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but as I got older, that interest became more intentional as I began to understand how meaningful it is to care for individuals during vulnerable moments and help empower them to become their best selves.

Through my experiences, such as volunteering with the Mariposa DR Foundation and working as a nursing assistant, I saw the impact compassion can have on those we take care of. This helped solidify my desire to pursue medicine, allowing me to combine my passions for science, service, and human connection to make a lasting difference.

Crlenjak: My mom. She has always encouraged me to pursue things beyond what I ever thought possible. There’s something so powerful in having someone believe in you. She was the first person who ever suggested I consider going to medical school, back when I laughed at the idea.

Winslow: My greatest inspiration and influence in deciding to pursue a career in medicine has been my mom. Despite having far fewer opportunities than those she worked to provide for me, she pushed herself to earn two master’s degrees and build a flourishing career through perseverance and resilience. Because of her, I have these values instilled in me. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have her unwavering support as she encouraged me to chase my dream of entering the medical field. She has shaped how I approach everything in life, including the type of physician and person I am working to become.

Crlenjak: It is truly an honor. Not only do I get to attend medical school at my dream school, but to have support with the financial weight of this path is something I am immensely grateful for.

Winslow: To me, this scholarship represents not only relief of financial stress, but also validation of the work and commitment I’ve put into pursuing medicine. Every day, it reminds me to continue striving for excellence and to work towards paying it forward to the next generation of future physicians.

Crlenjak: I am still early in school, so I’m keeping an open mind. I like the thought of working with my hands and providing immediate relief to patients in procedural specialties, but I also like the critical thinking and problem solving involved with other specialties. I know I want to enter a field where I will work to earn patients’ trust and continue learning throughout my career.

Winslow: Through my work with underserved populations, I have learned that receiving mental healthcare is often not a priority — or even an option — for many individuals, especially those with limited access to care. I have also seen how untreated mental health conditions magnify the effects of social determinants of health, ultimately widening already existing health disparities. I believe access to mental health services should not be a privilege but a fundamental component of healthcare, and I am excited to pursue a career that allows me to help address these issues.

Crlenjak: I have a twin sister! She works in finance. Also, I love hiking and backpacking and just being outdoors whenever I get the chance.

Winslow: I love to travel and plan trips! So far, I’ve visited six countries and 17 U.S. states. One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying the local cuisine a place is known for, even if it’s something I don’t think I’ll like at first.